[Colin_Partridge]

Good morning gang,
I just got back from a carving show that I go to every year. It is a large carving show with some of the best carvers in Canada attending. Now a few weeks ago I started a thread on how I was apprehensive about starting something new. I have been going to this carving show for the past 6 years and many other shows besides where the same artists display their carvings. I now have come to the realization that every year I am looking at the same thing, just a different variation. I can now pretty well tell who carved what just by looking at the carving. I also noticed that most of the carvers are up in years (like me). I am always in awe of their carvings, but I guess if you carve something long enough you get really good at it. I wonder if its because as we age our brains dont grasp things like they used to do when we are younger. So to step out of the comfort the things we do best may be impossible as we get older. We just perfect what we have been doing for all of those years. I have a friend that chainsaw carves bears in an hour and they look realistic. Then if you carved 1000 bears yours would probably look realistic as well. I am not sure that as we get older our brains are able to assimulate things as well. I was an avid skiier, my grandson is a snowboarder so I took snowboarding lessons last year. I was not able to grasp the skill, I was able to get down the mountain but mostly on my nose and rearend. Just a thought would be interested if anyone else has any views on this or is it just my brain going into the dormant stage
Colin

[BobD]

I know what you mean Colin...
Writing has been my bag for a long time; carving took a secondary place. But when I got this job, suddenly, they were both equal (and I've had to make Scrolling a three-way tie)

I've started a few projects since I've been working here, but only completed one--a maple leaf I carved for my wife this weekend. I'll post some photos later, but I'm really proud of myself.

When something does work out, like the leaf did for me, you get that sense of pride and accomplishment--which can be addictive. When you do something and it doesn't come out as well, it's a big letdown; especially if you are used to the feeling of elation when you complete a familiar project and it's your best yet.

Like most things, I think it's a matter of perception. We are experts in our chosen field, but when we try to branch out, the results are not always what we want or expect.

I look back at my early writing, and it's dreadful; so I look at my carving projects the same way--I can only get better. Carving like every other skill, only moves in one direction!!!

Bob

[mikeg]

Colin,

At 40 I don't consider myself 'up there in years' but I just started carving in the past year. And even though I can't spend as much time as I'd like on carving, I compare the things I did just 6 months ago with what I just finished and see a definite improvement. So you're right, if you do something 1000 times, you'll get good at it.

But it does take a certain amount of momentum to jump the tracks of our routine. I suspect as we age, the tracks get deeper and it takes more momentum. Even at my relatively young age, it took some self prodding to start carving. But on the other end of the scale, I look at my kids and they try something for a couple of times and are off to something else. They haven't developed any 'tracks' so they slide from one thing to the next.

Is that a bad thing? At their age, they're looking for the things they'd like to do. As adults, we may have settled into hobbies. And when it comes to carving, everybody probably has their own style. Should we do all types of carving or just stick with the types we like such as in the round, relief, or chip carving?

It may be tougher to jump the tracks but I think it can be done. Especially if something shakes up your world. In my case it was divorce and re-marrying over a 3 year period. It shook up my routine enough to make it possible to take up carving. For others, it may be retirement, death of a family member or moving.

How much specialization is too much? How much can you broaden your horizons before you start to lose that 'edge' that make you an expert at what you do?

Personally, I guess that if you enjoy what you're doing, that's the important thing. Some people like, your friend who carves bears, may enjoy carving the same(or similar) subject over and over. I say more power(or handtools ) to them. Others may constantly push the boundries and never carve 2 similar things.

just my thoughts on it,
sorry I rambled a bit.

mikeg

[squbrigg]

Hey Colin,

As usual, you have come up with another great topic, or variation on a theme. To defeat this monster....of doing the same thing all the time, a rut of sorts, I have been attempting several different styles or subjects. It suppose you are right, it is human nature to stay with what you are good at, but I find it limiting.....just doesn't always give me the satisfaction that it did.

Ships have always been my thing....models, relief carved ones, and paintings of them. I'm just an old sailor, so I always stayed with what I was good at....till I started hanging around this crowd! All these talented artists in wood, have inspired me to try new things!

Did some Celtic Designs over the past year, now I just finished my first Dragon's Head. Turned out pretty good for my first attempt.....so now it's off to try something else!

Check it out at http://community.webshots.com/album/130148443VPVMxM still can't figure out how to post a pic direct, but that's another skill I lack, ......technologly challenged!

Bob

...not that old (45), just became a first time grandpa...but I know of which you speak. For me the struggle is to release the creativity within, it's easy to pick up someone else's pattern or book and start from there, but I have been forcing the issue for myself by simply entering competitions where the carving has to be the carver's original work. Since I lean towards humor and caricature carving, I have taken to drawing again, and reading reference material (Far Side collection, etc.), for use in exagerating the human form. My next purchase will probably be Gray's Anatomy book which should pay some dividends. I guess I feel that once I can put it on paper it should translate well to wood.
...since I have never taken any classes (been carvin' about 10 years) I'm also not well versed in finishing techniques. So last year I was entering a contest and had to decide on whether or not to try an antiqueing technique I read about. I hemmed and hawed and finally went ahead with the process which turned out quite well. The way I looked at it was that it's just a $3 piece of wood until it's finished, so if the work was ruined I would consider myself well entertained for my $3...

...Sooooooo how does everyone else inspire their creativity?

[BobD]

Awsome work, Bob

I guess the only way to grow is to streatch... and I'm trying to streatch my carving techniques...

Bob D

[mikeg]

Squbrigg,

I hadn't been to your web page before. Those are some impressive ships!! You also did a great job on the celtic knots and the dragon. I'm tempted to try a knot sometime soon.

Rocket39,

I'm no artist, but like you, I find that getting it on paper helps. I've never done much drawing but I have an eraser and I'm not afraid to use it!!


mikeg

mikeg,
I have an eraser too but it is one of those kneadable erasers so it works as a frustration reliever at the same time!!! 8)

Tony

[Ric]

Colin:
Interesting topic. I think that the older I get the more I pick and choose my battles. I am not sure that our minds are slipping as much as we get into our comfort zones and don't invest a lot of time on new activities that will distract from our zone activities. There is a lot of 'stuff' out there to add to the existing brain clutter we experience. Staying in your comfort zone protects you from overload sometimes. When I venture out in the wild mess of 'stuff' I find peace in my zone. I think that this is just another gift from the good Lord that we take with a grain of salt.

[Colin_Partridge]

Well said Ric I know exactly what you mean it is like going home, you always feel comfortable in your own home. I think you put that in perfect prospective for me. When you step out and try something new and it doesnt turn out how you expected it to, just return to what you know best. This afternoon I was carving another large woodspirit and I was at perfect peace with myself. Because it was comfortable and I knew what I was doing. Thanks for that, you summed it up very nicely.
Colin